FLORIDA — Florida is moving forward with changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits for families who rely on the benefits, according to a release from Healthy Snap Florida.
The state has received federal approval to update its SNAP guidelines, with the changes taking effect April 20, 2026. The goal is ensure benefits go toward more nutritious foods and better align the program’s mission with promoting health and reducing hunger.
Under the new rules, SNAP benefits in Florida can no longer be used to buy:
- Soda
- Energy drinks
- Candy
- Ultra-processed, shelf-stable prepared desserts

Homeowner loses decade-long legal battle against St. Pete over unrecorded water pipelines
An Odessa man lost his legal battle against the city of St. Petersburg today after a jury ruled that two massive water mains buried under his property can remain.